OK heres the deal. I may end up overseas for a little over a year and I do not want to sell my Z. What are some steps to take in storing the car for that long of a time. I plan to keep this car until the wheels fall off, so I want to make sure its stored properly. I can put it close to my brother so he can keep an eye on it for me (may even convince him to let me store it in his garage!). Are there any common problems with storing these cars for extended periods? Whats the best way to be sure that the interior stays critter free? what about things like hoses and other rubber parts that may rot? Will having it started and left running for 15020 min once a month or so be sufficient? Along with an oil change as soon as I take it out? Thanks for the help!

 

I'll be happy to keep her for ya!!! It will be in safe hands....

Never stored mine that long, guess I am no help....

 

10 Tips for Long-Term Classic Car Storage

Make sure your gas tank is full. This will reduce the amount of water that can be absorbed by the gasoline and it also slows the rate at which it turns to varnish. Use and additive like "Sta-Bil", "Dry Gas" or similar. Make sure it's well mixed and run the car for a while to make sure it's in the entire fuel system.


Freezing temperatures naturally dictate that anti-freeze be used. But even if it's not freezing, put it in. Many of the newer 'coolants' have excellent corrosion inhibitors that will help protect and lubricate your cooling system. A 50/50 anti-freeze/water mix is fine. Again make sure to run the car so it's mixed throughout the entire system.


Change the engine oil. Dirty oil is contaminated with acids and water that can cause premature bearing failure and rust inside the engine. If the car is likely to be left for a very long period of time unattended, remove the sparkplugs and liberally squirt some form of 'upper-cylinder lubricant' into the cylinders before replacing the plugs. This will help stop the piston rings from rusting to the cylinder walls.


Make sure the Brake and Clutch master cylinders are full of brake fluid. Brake fluid can absorb water very quickly. By reducing the exposed surface area of the fluid, the water absorption can be reduced. If you can, bleed the brake and clutch systems. It is recommended that you do this on an annual basis anyway, to purge the system of old and possibly contaminated brake fluid.


To inhibit rust in the engine area, use a lubricant spray such as WD40 to coat all exposed metal surfaces. The volatile carrier in the WD40 will soon evaporate leaving a protective film on the hose clamps, coils, carb bodies etc. 'Wax-oyl' is also good, but you'll want to hose it off at a 'car wash' in the Spring.


Wash the entire car and apply a good wax. Don't forget to clean the inside. Do this early in the day to give it plenty of time to thoroughly dry before putting it in storage.


If you have a convertible top, leave it up and the windows and vents closed. A convertible top can develop nasty creases when folded for long periods, especially in cold climates. Treat Vinyl tops with Silicone or similar. Keeping the windows and vents closed keeps small creatures from entering. But buy some desiccant sacs from a storage supply house 'Dry Pac' for example and place them inside the car on the floors. This will keep moisture from damaging the interior if it is damp or humid where you are.


Ensure that the boot is clean and dry, The boot seal is not always positive and some moisture can collect and condense in the inner fenders and floor. Air it out well for a day or so, then place a desiccant sac in here too before closing it up.


Finally, take the car on a good 30 minute run. This will evaporate all the moisture in the exhaust and in the engine. Then park the car with the hand brake off and either 'chock' the wheels or leave it in gear if necessary. Over inflating the tires can help guard against flat spots. Disconnect the battery.


The best thing to do for a stored car is to visit it once a month and take it for a short drive. This keeps everything in good shape, preventing things from getting corroded and seals drying out. At the very least have some one start it up periodically. If you are going to cover it use a proper Cloth car cover, not a Plastic one. If you find the concrete floor in your storage unit gets damp or 'sweats' use cat litter, or lay plastic beneath the car to prevent the condensation from reaching your floor pans.

Hopes this helps..................

 

Great info on storage C5Ron .. I have also put a car up on jackstands to keep the tires 'round' when it's gonna be parked awhile.

With a C5, gotta make sure the lifting pucks are used and the stands are in the right place to use 'em

-Frank (just havin someone available to drive it 30 minutes or so a month is a great help .. unless they lack common sense.. means keepin insurance up on it tho)

 

Thanks C5Ron! Thats a great write up! Ive read a lot about the flat spots on the tires and it seems as thats not really a big deal. Most say if they do flatten out at all they will go back into shape with in the first min or so of driving. probably needs new tires anyway, I plan on replacing them when I get back. Thanks for the tips!

 

Head west and just before your feet get wet and you will be here in Oceanside....the weather is mild and your C-5 can share the garage with my C-5...I'll take care of everything.....always trust a fellow Corvette owner and Forum member.....it's the least I can do! I will even invite other forum members by and we can all see to it's well being! Sorry, had to be a smart a$$hat!

 

Maybe I'm missing something here.

Why are you worried about long term storage when your brother can drive the car every couple of weeks to keep it in working order? If it's an issue of trust, I would not be letting him keep it in his garage.

 

Good advice by C5Ron. Nice that your brother can keep an eye on the car too.